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Hummingbird Feeders

How to Select a Hummingbird Feeder

Having a hummingbird feeder in the yard is probably the easiest way to attract hummingbirds.  There are so many varieties available, so which feeder should you select?  There is no perfect answer to this question, but after having read this post you should have a better idea of the types of things that you should consider when trying to select the feeder that you want for your yard.

The first consideration should be the color of the feeder.  It is important to note that the hummingbird feeder you select does not have to be red.  It can be decorative in nature and add to the asstestics and beauty of your yard.  Many of the feeders on the market today will have some red on them, but if the one you select does not you can hang a red ribbon above it to help attract the hummingbirds to it.

The next thing to consider is what size of hummingbird feeder to buy.  If you are just starting out with trying to attract hummingbirds, I would suggest you start out with a smaller sized feeder.  You can not be sure when starting out the number of hummingbirds that will be visiting your yard.  The smaller size of the feeder will helpfully prevent the spoilage of the nectar in the feeder.  If you choose to buy a larger sized hummingbird feeder, only fill it up particially with nectar until the number of birds visiting the feeder increases.

Another consideration is where to place the hummingbird feeder.  The feeder can be placed on tree braches, garden stakes or a metal hook.  If you have multiple feeders, then place the feeders out of site of one another, because male hummingbirds are quite territorial and will try to defend them.  Feeders can be grouped together also, because it will be impossible for the male hummingbird to defend all the feeders, thus more of the hummingbirds will be able to feed at the same time.  You will also want to hang the feeder in a shady area rather then in direct sunlight to try an help prevent the nectar from spoiling as a result of its exposure to direct sunlight.  You can also place the feeders near plants that attract hummingbirds and the birds will find the feeders.

It is important that the feeder be very easy to clean.  You will want to do this each time you refill the feeder or every three or four days in very warm weather.  A clean feeder is the best way to prevent mold and bacteria from forming which can be very harmful to the hummingbirds.

Bees and ants are common pest associated with hummingbird feeders.  How do you solve this problem?  Most feeders on the market today are designed in such a way that will prevent the bees from accessing the nectar reservoir.  To solve the problem of ants, the best solution is to buy a feeder which has an ant mote, which is a device which is hung above the feeder and filled with water.  This device works because ants are unable to swim.

It is my hope that these tips will help all of you who wish to discover how to select a hummingbird feeder. Even if you have heard this information before, it does not hurt to be reminded of it once again because you never know when you might once again have need of it once again.   Maybe now all the various choices which are available on the market today will seem a little bit less overwhelming to each of you.  Here is to many happy hours of hummingbird watching!

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